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UDSON MVEi 
TODAY AN 

1 



Class 

Book_ 




1(4- 



Copyright N°. 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE 

HUDSON RIVER 

TODAY AND 

YESTERDAY 



By 
Arthur P. Abbott 



Copyright, 1915, 

by 

Historian Publishing Go. 

new york city 

All rig his reserved 



JUL 3 I9ie 

A. T. De La Mare Printing and Publishing Company, ltd 
New York 

©CU406591 
9t< , 



AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION 

r ||j|||HERE has never been a time in the history of 

IIiDB 0lH ,lat,on wnen tne story of its glorious past 
was so important as today. 

A large percentage of the millions of aliens 
flocking to our shores, as to a city of refuge, 
know but little and consequently care less, of our insti- 
tutions, their purpose and ideals. 

We are interested in persons and things only in pro- 
portion to our knowledge of them. 

Bunker Hill, Yorktown, Gettysburg and Appomatox 
have no meaning to the masses who come pouring through 
our immigration ports. And because this is so they can 
have no real sympathy with our institutions. Far too 
large a percentage of those who do seek the ballot do so 
largely as a means to an end: viz., a meal ticket. 

They soon learn that a vote is of interest to political 
parties whose bosses are ever ready to barter for it jobs, 
if not cash. 

It is this state of affairs which must sooner or later be 
changed or the Ship of State will run into perilous waters. 

Legislation is sometimes a valuable antidote for such 
conditions, but legislation, to be effective, must be backed 
by force. And in a country whose watchword is freedom, 
experience has taught it is much easier to pursuade 
than drive. 

The mightiest pursuasive power today is education. 
By education I do not mean arguments which strive to 
convince of the soundness of another's views, but pulling 
aside the curtain of obscurity and turning the giant beams 
of truth on the great ocean of fact and reality. 

Truth, unclouded by prejudice, is the greatest incentive 
to right thinking and independent thoughts. 

The function of the true historian is not to present 
argument but to record facts. These facts may be 

3 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

clothed in words of strength and beauty, but the fact 
itself must stand out clear and unmistakable. 

The difficulty with most historians is that they become 
so wrapped up in their subject that they present such a 
mass of details the average reader will lose interest. 
Thus those whom it is most desirable to reach will not 
take the time to go to libraries to pore over ponderous 
volumes, and do not have the necessary means or inclina- 
tion to purchase them. 

The object of this series of little books is to tell truthful 
stories from our nation's past in a striking and interesting 
manner. Then, by providing such at a price in reach of 
all, it is hoped the masses will be reached and an interest 
gradually cultivated in our common country. 

In this little book I have chosen the Hudson River 
valley, which is not only the scenic American Rhine, 
but the very shrine of American history. For no war 
has been and in all human probability will ever be fought 
with more beneficial results to the nations of the earth 
than that of the American Revolution. 

If in such endeavors I shall succeed in stimulating 
interest in our country and its past, thereby promoting 
more efficient citizenship and guarding more securely our 
nation's perpetuity, I shall feel I have, in a measure, done 
my duty as a patriotic American citizen and descendant 
of those who helped to lay its foundation. 



Items of Especial Interest 

Discovery by Henry Hudson 49 

Dutch Settlement 50 

Early Indian Occupation 50 

How the Voyage Begins 52 

Site of Battle of Fort Washington 52 

The Palisades 52 

Fort Lee 53 

Spuyten Duy vil 54 

Yonkers 54 

Dobb's Ferry 55 

Tarrytown 55 

Hook Mountain 56 

Ossining 57 

Haverstraw and the Tors 57 

Stony Point 58 

The Hudson Biver Highlands 59 

Peekskill 59 

Anthony's Nose 59 

Bear Mountain 60 

Palisades Interstate Park 60 

Forts Clinton and Montgomery 61 

Map of Fortifications of Highlands during the Revolutionary War 62 

The Crescent Range 63 

Grave of Margaret Corbin 63 

West Point Military Academy 64 

Constitution Island 65 

Bannerman's Castle 66 

New Windsor 66 

Newburgh 66 

Fishkill 66 

Poughkeepsie 67 

Kingston 67 

Esopus 67 

Catskill 68 

Hudson 68 

Schodac Island 68 

Albany 69 

Short Stories from the Business World 73 

The Fulton Folly 75 

Famous Descendants of the Clermont 79 

A Mid-Summer Night's Dream 80 

At Eventide 81 

In the Land of Romance and History 82 

A Highland Fortress 84 

The Greatest Park in the World 85 

5 



List of Illustrations Page 

The Upper Bay 9 

Lower Manhattan 9 

Hudson River Steamboat Piers 10 

Berths of Ocean Liners 10 

The Hudson River When Our Fleet Conies Sailing Home 11 

Grant's Tomb H 

Edgewater and Fort Lee 12 

Homes of the " Cliff Dwellers " 12 

More of the Palisades 13 

Site of Fort Washington 13 

Beginning of the Henry Hudson Drive 14 

Spuyten Duyvil 14 

Palisades, continued 15 

ftiverdale on the Hudson 15 

North End of the Palisades 16 

Yonkers .- 16 

Vicinity of Alpine and Sneeden's Landing 17 

Village of Hastings 17 

Village of Nyack I 8 

Dobb's Ferry 18 

Hook Mountain I 9 

Village of Irvington on the Hudson 19 

Another View of Hook Mountain 20 

Home of Levi P. Morton 20 

The Tors 21 

Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow 21 

Village of Haverstraw 22 

Vicinity of Scarborough and Sparts 22 

Vicinity of Stony Point 23 

Ossining 23 

Entrance to the Famous Hudson River Highlands 24 

View from down the River Showing the Entrance to the High- 
lands ',,''■' ^ 

A Close View of the Dunderbergs or "Thunder Mountains 25 

Verplanck's Point 25 

Iona Island 26 

Village of Peekskill 26 

Bear Mountain 27 

Anthony's Nose 27 

Site of Fort Clinton 28 

Sugar Loaf Mountain 28 

•'Hell Hole" 29 

View Just North of West Point 29 

Site of Fort Montgomery 30 

Village of Cold Springs 30 

6 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

Page 

Site of the Grave of Margaret Corbin 31 

Near View of Break Neck Mountain 31 

Village of Highland Falls 32 

Bannerman's Castle 32 

West Point Military Academy 33 

Mount Beacon 33 

Village of New Windsor 34 

Fishkill and North Beacon Mountain 34 

Newburgh 35 

Vicinity of Matteawan Asylum for Insane Criminals 35 

Four Mile Point Lighthouse 36 

Village of New Hamburg 36 

Village of Coxsackie 37 

Poughkeepsie 37 

Kingston 38 

Hyde Park 38 

Saugerties 39 

Home near Hyde Park 39 

Lighthouse near Saugerties 40 

Home near Hyde Park 40 

Maiden on the Hudson 41 

Bhinecliff 41 

Village of Catskill 42 

Hudson 42 

Village of Athens 43 

Some of the "Good Ground for Corn and Garden Herbs" 43 

Village of Marlborough 44 

View near Castleton 44 

Vicinity of Esopus 45 

Village of Castleton 45 

Village of Coeyman 46 

Village and Ferry 46 

"Here the Towers of the Most Famous State Capitol Rise into 

View— The City of Albany" 47 

Street Scene in Albany 47 

New York State Educational Building at Albany 48 

View of the State Capitol Building at Albany 48 



The Illustrations Here Given 

Are Arranged as 

Follows : 

Those at the top of the page are taken from 
the West shore of the river and those at the 
bottom from the East shore. 

There, however, has been no thought of 
arranging the views so that they would repre- 
sent scenes appearing opposite each other across 
the river: for, in certain localities, a number 
of interesting points appear on one shore and 
none on the opposite shore. 

The selection has been made so as to repre- 
sent as nearly as possible some of the most at- 
tractive on both shores. The space available 
does not permit showing all. 




<mm *mm 



The Upper Bay. Statue of Liberty at the Left. 

"Just where the waters from the mountains sink 
into the cradle of the deep." 



Lower Manhattan with its" Towering 
Temples of Commerce." 





Berths of Ocean Liners. 



Hudson River Steamboat Piers from 
which the Journey is Begun. 





The Hudson River when our Fleet Gomes 
Sailing Home. 



Grant's Tomb and a View, from the 

River, of the Famous Riverside 

Drive. 

See page 52. 




Edgewater and Fort Lee. 

See -page 53. 



Homes of the " Cliff Dwellers." 

A striking example of how the millions 
live in the most densely populated 
section in the world. 




More of the Palisades. 

Note the tents along the shore. Here thousands get 
outside the city in Summer to breathe. 



Site of Fort Washington. 

See page 52. 




Beginning of the Henry Hudson Drive. 

One of the most magnificent highways in the 
world, which is being built from New York- 
City to Albany. 



Spuyten Duyvil. 

See page 54. 





Palisades Continued. 

See -page 52. 



(RlVERDALE ON THE HUDSON. 





North End of the Palisades. 



Yonkers. 

See page 54. 




""" ' . ■». ' Hi—— .. 







Vicinity of Alpine and Sneeden's Landing. 

One of the many poetic rural scenes along the 
Hudson. 

See page 55. 






Village of Nyack, 

See page 5fi, 



Dobb's FebbY. 

See page 55. 




Village of Irvington on the Hudson. 



Hook Mountain. 

See page 56. 




Another View of Hook Mountain. 



Home of Levi P. Morton in the fore- 
ground and of Wealthy Persons in 
the background. 




& 



The Tors. 

See page 57 



Tarrytown, and Sleepy Hollow to 

THE LEFT. 

See page 55. 



Village of Haverstraw. 

See page 57. 



Vicinity of Scarborough and Sparts. 



Vicinity of Stony Point. 

The battleground is located on a high point 
marked by a lighthouse. Note the Hudson 
River Highlands in the distance. 

See page 58. 



OSSINING. 

See page 57. 




Entrance to the Famous Hudson River 
Highlands. 

The Dunderbergs to the left, the Manitou Range 
to tin right, Anthony's Nost in tin distance. 



View from down the River showing the 
Entrance to the Highlands 

Hid behind the Dunderbergs and the Manitou Range. 
II < r< the river appears to end. See page 59. 



A Close View of the Dunderbergs or 
" Thunder Mountains." 



Verplanck's Point. 

See page 58. 





I on a Island. 

See page 60. 



Village of Peekskill. 

See page 59. 







Bear Mountain. 

See page 60. 



Anthony's Nose. 

See page 59. 




Site of Fort Clinton. Bear Mountain Behind. 

See page 61. 



Sugar Loaf Mountain. 

See page 63. 





Hell Hole." 

See page 61. 



View just north of West Point. 

Constitution Island on the right, 
Crow's Nest and Storm King on 
the left. 

See page 65. 






Site of Fort Montgomery 

See page 61. 



Village of Gold Springs, with Break 
Neck Mountain Behind. 

See page 65. 





Site of the Grave of Margaret Corrin. 

Grave marked by arrow. Alarm Hill just 

behind and to the left. 
See page 63. 



Near View of Break Neck Mountain. 





Village of Highland Falls at the back and 
Lady Cliff Academy in the foreground. 



Bannerman's Castle. 

See page 66. 




West Point Military Academy. 

See page 64. 



ount Beacon. Hotel on the Summit at 

THE LEFT. 





Village of New Windsor. 

See page 66. 



FlSHKILL AND NORTH BEACON MOUNTAIN TO THE 
REAR. 

Sc page 66. 





Newburgh. 

See page 



Vicinity of Matteawan Asylum for Insane 
Criminals. 

See page 66. 




Four Mile Point Lighthouse. 



Village of New Hamburg. 



Village of Coxsackie. 



^OUGHKEEPSIE. 

See page 67. 



nUp^pwapiarTC.;: r-^ ■* 




Kingston. 

See page 67. 



Hyde Park. 





SAU GERTIES. 

See vaqe 68. 



Home near Hyde Park. 





Lighthouse near Saugerties with Catskills 

IN THE DISTANCE. 



Home near Hyde Park. 





"■■■ - "_"- '*- -*"*«—" " 








^K^^Tl^Bha" « " - 








Mill J|_~ ■ , 


~ 












Malden on the Hudson. 


Rhinecliff, near Summer 


Home 


of 




Vincent Astor. 










Village of Gatskill. 

See page 68. 



Hudson. 

See page 68. 




_ 



Village of Athens. 



Some of the " Good Ground for Corn and 
Garden Herbs." 

Mentioned by Henry Hudson. See page 49. 



Village of Marlborough. 

See page 67. 



View near Gastleton. 




Village of Castleton. 



Vicinity of Esopus. 

See page 67. 





Village of Goeyman. 



Village and Ferry and another of the heautiful 
Rural Scenes along the Hudson. 




" Here the Towers of the most famous State Capitol 
Rise into View — The City of Albany." 

See page 69. 



Street Scene in Albany 



s 




t& 



Ai 



a- $< »> 



s 






New York State Educational Building at 
Albany. 



View of the State Capitol Building at 
Albany. 




The Hudson River Today and 
Yesterday 

fe||gj? I 1 E completion of the Panama Canal was the 

iPJJil reauza ti° n of a dream which made the discovery 
of the Hudson River possible. 

"A waterway to India " has been the capital 
commercial prize eagerly sought after since 
Columbus demonstrated, by chance, the existence of a 
new world. 

It was in the probing of the eastern shores of North 
America for such waterway that Hudson, an Englishman, 
in the maritime service of Holland, sailed into what is 
now the harbor of New York, and up the today Rhine 
of America. It was not until he had reached the vicinity 
of what is now Albany that, to his great disappointment, 
he realized it was only another blind lead. His disap- 
pointment can be better understood when we realize that 
undying fame and ample fortune was the reward which 
waited the man who would first make this discovery. 
However, strange it may seem, Hudson did not return 
with a heavy heart, for while fame, no doubt, was his 
personal ambition, yet fortune was the prime incentive 
of those who had financed the expedition. 

In his short stay on the stream, which today stands 
as a monument to his memory in the hall of undying 
fame, he discovered it was not only a " land pleasant with 
grass and flowers " and inhabited, in its upper region, by 
" a loving people," but that on its shores was " good 
ground for corn and garden herbs with great store of 
slate for houses, and other good stones," and that vast 
quantities of most valuable furs could be purchased from 
the inhabitants for " mere trifles." 

It is, therefore, not difficult to realize what effect such 
a glowing report would have on the imagination of his 
thrifty and aggressive employers. 

49 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

No page in the world's history is more interesting than 
the Dutch settlement along the Hudson River. Many of 
the original homes erected during this period are standing 
today and inhabited, in some instances by the descendants 
of their builders. The influence this sturdy race exerted 
in the days of settlement and colonization is still felt in 
many commercial activities. In the bewitching calm 
of the blue, dreamy haze which, throughout the long 
Summer days, hangs over its delectable Highland region, 
the traveler of today becomes imbued with the sleepy 
tranquility, which was so admirably suited to Dutch 
temperament, and which still broods over all like a spirit 
from out of the past. 

How these same Dutch interrupted the development, 
by another race, of a primitive civilization which was 
creeping out of the ages of savagery toward the light of 
day, is in itself a most interesting story which the writer 
will tell at another time. 

It is not the purpose here to find fault with these early 
Dutch settlers because they drove a sharp bargain in the 
" purchase " of Manhattan Island for $23, but it is 
pointed to as an act which typifies the greed and selfish- 
ness which has prompted the white race, ever since the 
discovery of the American Continent, in defrauding an 
innocent and irresponsible race of its birthright, the 
injustice of which act is well recognized by all civilized 
nations through common laws which prohibit the taking 
of property, at unfair remuneration, from those incom- 
petent to judge its worth. 

Space here does not permit the detailing of these acts, 
nor will the reader be especially interested in their perusal. 
Yet, a few words regarding the earliest inhabitants of the 
Hudson River valley will, no doubt, be of interest and 
will, in a measure, pay a just debt due a race which has 
long since faded from its shores. 

Of all the groups into which the American Indian race 
was divided, there were none which approached more 
nearly a degree of civilized development than the Algon- 

50 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

quins. This group was divided into many tribes scattered 
over a large portion of the northern, eastern and middle 
parts of the American Continent. It was two of the 
tribes of this group which occupied the shores of the 
Hudson River. The Mohegans on the east bank from 
its source to its mouth and on the west bank from its 
source to the Gatskill Mountains, the Leni Lempi, or as 
later called by the whites, the Delawares occupied the 
west bank from the Gatskill Mountains down to the 
coast. Roth of these tribes had a perfectly organized 
form of government which was the most ideal democratic 
form of government known in the history of all nations 
and races. 

Each nation was divided into tribes and each tribe into 
clans and families. Agriculture and horticulture were 
given marked attention and villages and towns were the 
centers of social and commercial activity. 

American historians unfortunately deal only with their 
wars which, as in all nations, portrays only the most 
vicious and degrading element. Rut if the writer were 
able to take the reader into the magic canoe of fancy and 
proceed up this majestic and beautiful waterway at a 
period prior to the advent of the white race, the reader 
would find his voyage most interesting and illuminating. 
On many hilltops he would see their fortified " castles," 
and in many sheltered coves, villages teeming with 
happy, contented and yet busy industrial life. 

However, so far have these disappeared into the past, 
and so completely have they been obliterated from the 
eye of the traveler of today, that the portrayal of these 
scenes would be out of place in the purpose for which this 
book is intended. We will, therefore, confine ourselves 
to only such as may have withstood the changes of time, 
and which greet the eye of the traveler of the present day. 

Putting behind us the interesting centuries which have 
just preceded, through which a nation has been building, 
and stepping into the brilliant sunlight of present-day 
development and progress, we take passage on one of those 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

floating palaces which each Summer day pass up this 
historic stream, leaving behind us, one by one, the many 
points of scenic and historic interest. 

As with banners flying and band playing we back out 
into the upper reaches of the busiest harbor on the face 
of the globe, just where the waters from the mountains 
above sink into the " cradle of the deep," the sky line of 
the greatest city of the world begins to take form before 
our eyes. Towering temples of commerce, whose pinnacles 
almost reach the cloud-land, stand out like peaks in some 
rugged mountain range. The roar of busy streets die 
away and, like some vast panorama in natural colors, the 
shores being passing in review. 

On our left the Jersey shore, the berths of ocean liners, 
those leviathans of the deep, pass by one by one. On the 
right the ever raising shore line with its homes of " cliff 
dwellers " interspersed with parks, monuments, and an 
occasional private palace pass by. Among these will 
be seen, standing out in prominent, solemn grandeur, 
with the folds of Old Glory fluttering in the breeze, the 
tomb of that " Silent Soldier."' I lysses S. Grant, one of 
the star actors in that immortal struggle through which 
our nation's unity was welded, let us hope for all time. 

As we approach the tk Heights," where the eastern shore 
line reaches its greatest altitude on Manhattan Island, 
we pass a battleground on which was fought one of the 
most gallant and stubborn actions of the American Revo- 
lution — the Rattle of Fort Washington. It was here 
that Margaret Gorbin, the first " Molly Pitcher " of the 
Revolution, laid on her country's altar, at the mouth of 
the cannon, the sacrifice which won for her the first pen- 
sion ever granted to a woman by our Government. Her 
final resting-place will be pointed out as we go farther 
along. 

On the left is passing in review the famous Palisades, 
whose face has witnessed enough to constitute one of 
the most interesting volumes of all the world's books. 
The Palisades of the Hudson River have been a source of 

52 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

wonder to the civilized world ever since the Half Moon 
weighed anchor before them. Besides being the chief 
point of interest in the lower reaches of the river, they 
have received much attention from geologists. 

The word " Palisades is a most fitting title, for they 
form an unbroken line of perpendicular rock varying in 
height from near sea level to 550 feet. The stone is 
dark gray and blue-black in color and of a very hard 
formation. As the evening shadows fall upon the river, 
they stand dark, grim and stately, like the ramparts of 
some mighty fortress. 

At their feet nestles a fringe of trees and shrubbery, 
with every now and then a sloping grass plot. These, 
together with vines entwining and trellising their rocky 
sides, present a trim which is irresistible to the artist 
and inviting to those who find a tent in nature's garden 
an attraction. 

There are several interesting historic spots on the 
Palisades. On September 26, 1900, a monument was 
erected on the site of Fort Lee. This fort was built in 
the early days of the Revolutionary War as one of the 
defences of the lower Hudson. It was first named Fort 
Constitution. This name, however, was changed to 
Fort Lee on October 18, 1776, in honor of General Charles 
Lee, who afterward proved a traitor to his country. 
This monument represents Revolutionary soldiers scaling 
the Palisades. A few traces of the fort are still to be 
seen, as well as soldiers' ovens cut from the rock. 

The "Washington Spring," which furnished water to 
the fort, is still flowing. Several old-time houses of 
Revolutionary fame are still standing, some of which 
date back to the Dutch period and are inhabited today 
by descendants of their builders. 

Another interesting monument is that of Alexander 
Hamilton who was killed here in a duel with Aaron Burr. 
This monument consists of a bust of Hamilton surmount- 
ing a boulder against which, so says tradition, Hamilton 
was laid when shot. 

53 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

While this point of scenic and historic interest is 
passing before us, the sky line of Manhattan Island on 
our right drops to the sea level at a point where the East 
River reaches around the northern part of the island and 
meets the North or Hudson River. This point is known 
as Spuyten Duyvil. This name originates from two 
Dutch words, meaning spouting devil. Just why it 
should receive this name has not been satisfactorily 
accounted for by historians. There are, of course, many 
versions of the tradition, but one which is as good, perhaps, 
as any, is that in early days the waters of this passage 
were very turbulent in times of storm and the rocks in 
the channel formed a very dangerous passage for boats. 
From this some have drawn the inference that the waves 
dashing over the rocks formed, in the superstitious minds 
of the Dutch, the image of a spouting devil. 

Passing this depression, the sky line again rises to a 
height which it maintains for many miles up the river. 

The first boat landing, and the last one for most boats 
until West Point is reached, is the town of Yonkers. 

This town, or rather city as it can be properly called, 
owing to its size and commercial importance, received 
its name from the early Dutch, who called it Der Jonkers 
Landi," meaning, in English, the gentleman's land. 
When the Dutch settled New York City, or New Amster- 
dam, as they called it, they brought over from Holland 
the feudal land system of that country. The rule in 
America was that anyone who in four years planted a 
colony with fifty souls was granted a manor or patron- 
ship and given title of Lord of the Manor. Among 
those who had ambitions in this direction was Adrian 
Van Der Donk, the first lawyer in New York City. 
Through services rendered and financial assistance given 
to the new colony, he received a large tract of land where 
the city of Yonkers now stands. While he was not, 
strictly speaking, Lord of the Manor, he was looked 
upon as of the gentleman class. Consequently his land 
was spoken of as " The Gentleman's Land," or in Dutch, 

54 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

Der Jonker's Landt. Thus the name, Yonkers, grew out 
of it. Among other improvements made by Van Der 
Donk was the erection of a saw mill, on a small stream, 
which to this day is called Saw Mill Greek. The biog- 
raphy of this old Dutchman would not only be interesting 
reading, but of a necessity constitute a history of the 
early Dutch in New York City. 

Passing on from Yonkers, both shores of the Hudson 
are dotted with numerous villages and residences of 
New York City's wealthiest citizens, whose castles and 
palaces lend a touch of magnificence and romance to the 
poetic scenery. One of the first of these villages lying 
on the east shore, is Dobbs Ferry. This played a promi- 
nent part in the Colonial history of our country, and 
received its name from a man by the name of Dobbs, 
who for many years operated a ferry at this point. It 
was near here that Arnold, the traitor, and Andre, the 
British spy, first attempted to effect a meeting. It was 
an important and strategic point with both armies during 
the Revolutionary War. There are many interesting 
old landmarks found in this vicinity, which have received 
frequent mention by writers of American history. 

On the west or opposite shore from Dobbs Ferry is 
Sneaden's Landing and the village of Palisades. It was 
in this locality that the body of the unfortunate Major 
Andre was first buried after his execution. It was later 
removed to England where it now rests among those 
who have helped to make English history. It was at 
this place also that the American Flag was first saluted 
by direct order of the British Parliament. It is here 
also that the Palisades end. 

A little above Palisades and on the east shore is the 
village of Tarrytown. Tarrytown has been made im- 
mortal by Washington Irving's " Legends of Sleepy 
Hollow." Tradition says it received its name from 
being a loitering or loafing place for convivial Dutchmen 
whose thrifty wives most strongly disapproved of their 
husbands' conduct and in contempt named it Tarrytown. 

55 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

Another tradition says it received its name from the 
Dutch word Terry, meaning wheat, claiming that it, 
during the Dutch period, was noted for its wheat market. 
It was at this place that Major Andre was captured by 
three minute men. 

Sleepy Hollow is a deep ravine just outside the village 
to the north, which ravine is easily recognizable from the 
boats. Tins ravine is the Mecca of many travelers in- 
terested in American history and literature. Here will 
be found the little brook over which Ichabod Crane 
thundered on the erratic Gunpowder in his attempt to 
escape from the headless horseman. Here also will be 
found the little Sleepy Hollow Church and the old Dutch 
Cemetery. This cemetery contains the graves of many 
noted persons including that of Washington Irving and 
the Irving family. Here also will be found the last 
resting-places of many old Dutch burghers who in their 
day made this region one of quaint pastoral beauty. 
The old church remains today much as it did centuries 
ago, and is an object of much interest to visitors. 

At this point in the river we enter what is known as 
the Tappan Zee, for it is here that the river widens to 
such an extent that the Dutch named it a Zee, or in 
English, sea. 

Across from Tarrytown is the village of Nyack, which, 
while in the midst of historic territory, is of more modern 
origin. 

Back of Nyack, and bordering it on the north, is Ball 
Mountain, 650 feet high. A little farther along the 
west shore is another elevation called Hook Mountain, 
which is 610 feet high. It is at this point that commerce 
has been doing its best for many years to destroy the 
scenic beauties of the Hudson River, and at present and 
for some time past, the commissioners of Palisades Inter- 
state Park (which commission will receive mention a 
little farther on) have been struggling to stop this depre- 
dation by purchasing the land through condemnation 
proceedings. While they have succeeded in a measure, 

56 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

yet many scars on these picturesque hillsides have already 
been made which no doubt will remain for all time. 

On the east shore, a little above Hook Mountain, is 
the village of Ossining, site of the famous State Peni- 
tentiary, Sing Sing. The erection of this prison began 
in 1829, and the buildings completed then are still in 
use today as the burial place of men still living — for 
incarceration in their damp, death-breeding walls is noth- 
ing less. Some day, no doubt, society will learn that 
persecution is not reformation, and destruction of all 
that tends to make man better does not accomplish the 
most possible in our institutions for correction. Ossining 
gets its name from a tribe of Indians named Sinck Sincks, 
or as it is sometimes called, Ossinksinks. From this 
name both the village and the prison have derived their 
names. The land on which the village and prison stand 
was purchased from the Indians on August 13th, 1685, 
by Frederick Philipse, and became part of the great Philipse 
Manor. 

A little north of Ossining lies the village of Groton. 
Here is the site of the famous Groton Reservoir from 
which New York City receives a large portion of its water. 
The village is named after the famous Indian Chief, 
Groton, who was a powerful factor among the Indians of 
his nation, the Mohegans, and possessed many virtues 
for which the first settlers had reason to be thankful. 
Here also was located an Indian village, and its extensive 
cemetery. The name of this village was Kitchawan. 

Across the river on the west shore is the village of 
Haverstraw. Just before reaching Haverstraw a range 
of peaks will be seen, called the Tors. This name origi- 
nated from a Dutch word meaning tower. These Tors, 
or towers, were used by the Indians as watch towers during 
war times and, as was customary in those days, formed 
the location of forts or palisaded villages. 

The village of Haverstraw is named after a tribe of 
Indians who occupied this region and had here their seat 
of local government. The Haverstraws were a quite 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

powerful tribe and the names of their different chiefs, 
as well as individual members, appear on many early 
deeds to land in this section. Haverstraw today contains 
one of the largest brick-making industries in the East, 
the product being floated down to New York City in 
barges. 

A little to the north of Haverstraw, and on the same 
side of the river, is the village of Stony Point and location 
of the famous Stony Point battleground. Every American 
boy and girl has read in history the account of this daring 
exploit. It was here that Anthony Wayne, or " Mad 
Anthony," as he was nicknamed, performed one of his 
many deeds of daring. The British had for a long time 
occupied this point with very strong fortifications, within 
which was gathered a large amount of military stores. 
The importance of this fortification being that it held 
possession of one of the most desirable points of communi- 
cation between the troops of New England and those of 
the Colonists to the south. 

It was during one of the darkest years of the Revolu- 
tionary War and at a time when desperate deeds on the 
part of the Colonial Army were deemed necessary. Space 
does not permit the narration of this exploit other than 
to state that by a very cunningly laid and daringly 
executed plan, with a mere handful of trusted followers, 
Anthony Wayne was able to capture, by surprise, this 
very strong and well defended fortification with com- 
paratively little loss of life on either side. The success 
of this exploit was one of the very few encouraging achieve- 
ments of the Colonial Army during this most discouraging 
period. 

Interesting remains and relics of this fortification are 
being carefully preserved and may be seen by the visitor 
to this place. 

Across the river from Stony Point and a little to the 
north is another point known as Yerplanks Point. This 
point also has its place in American history as being the 
scene of one of the most successful strategetic movements 

58 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

of the British armies in the attempt to capture the Hudson 
River during the late Summer of 1777. 

Looking up stream from this point, one will become 
perplexed at seeing a range of hills which apparently 
reach directly across the channel of the river. At the 
left will be seen a high range of hills known as the Dun- 
derbergs, or the " Thunder Mountains." As one pro- 
ceeds there will presently come into view a narrow opening 
between these hills forming a passage which is the entrance 
way to the famous Hudson Highlands. On the right or 
east shore appears the village of Peekskill. This place 
received its name from its earliest settler, a man by the 
name of Peek. The word Kill being the Dutch word for 
a small stream. A mountain stream here flows into the 
Hudson and was called Peekskill from which the village 
was named. This place was for a considerable time the 
headquarters of the Continental troops defending the 
Highland passes. The troops were in command of 
Israel Putnam, who built a fort here, which was known as 
Fort Putnam. Some very interesting remains of this 
fort are yet to be seen by visitors to this place. Here 
also was located, at an early date, an Indian village and 
cemetery by the name of Sachoos. 

At the right of the Highland passage is an almost bare 
and perpendicular hill called Anthony's Nose. This 
hill is 1228 feet in height. There are many traditions 
as to how this point received its name, but sifting evidence 
of the best historians, the name St. Anthony was given 
to it by the Huguenot missionaries, who named the 
Hudson River St. Anthony River. St. Anthony was the 
institutor of monastic life and was born in Coma, Egypt, 
A. D. 251. At one time a ledge of rock a little way 
above the river projected in such manner as to form the 
bridge of a perfectly shaped nose. This was blasted away 
in 1846 by a company formed for the purpose of building 
a suspension bridge across the river at this point. 

In the days of the Indian, a village was located on the 
summit of this peak, and a little back is an old copper 

59 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

mine from which the Indians secured material for pipes 
and articles of self-adornment. This old copper mine 
has been worked for many years since coming into pos- 
session of the white race. 

Across the river from Anthony's Nose and a little to 
the south is lona Island, the location of a government 
arsenal from which the army of the east draws a large 
portion of its ammunition. 

Directly across from Anthony's Nose is a very high 
hill, being 1314 feet at its highest point. This is known 
as Bear Mountain. At the river's edge will be seen a 
tastily designed boat landing which has been erected by 
the commissioners of Palisades Interstate Park. It is 
here that a few words regarding this project and commis- 
sion will no doubt be of interest to the reader. 

Ever since commercial ambition has been directed 
toward the stone quarries lying along the Hudson River, 
and especially the Palisades section, a warfare between 
commercial a andalism and lovers of American scenery 
has been in progress. Space will not permit the detail- 
ing of this struggle, but it is sufficient to say that after 
years of constant and ceaseless endeavor on the part of 
patriotic men and women the States of New York and 
New Jersey have combined forces and established what is 
known as the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. 
This commission is comprised of representative citizens 
of both states and has for its object the preservation of 
the scenic beauties of the Hudson River and the provision 
of a great park which shall forever remain a recreation 
and pleasure ground for the general public. Beginning 
at Fort Lee on the Palisades and ending, at present, at 
Bear Mountain, this commission has, through the expen- 
diture of a vast sum of money and ceaseless endeavor, 
acquired large tracts of land bordering upon or adjacent 
to the western shore of the Hudson River, thereby insuring 
the preservation of its scenic beauties. Not only this, 
but at different points they have built and are building 
especially designed and equipped pleasure and recreation 

60 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

grounds. The most important point, however, being at 
Bear Mountain. It was at this point that the State of 
New York at one time started to erect a State prison, 
which would supplant the famous Sing Sing prison, but 
public opinion was so strong against it that the project 
was abandoned and a tract of some five hundred acres, 
including Bear Mountain and a beautiful little lake at 
its foot was turned over to the Palisades Interstate Park 
Commission. Here in a few short years this commission 
has transformed a wilderness into one of the most delight- 
ful pleasure grounds found on the American Continent. 
A special boat service is in operation from New York City 
and passengers are carried the round trip at a rate of 50c. 
for adults and 25c. for children. Hundreds of thousands 
are each year availing themselves of the opportunity thus 
afforded for a delightful Summer day outing or a season 
spent in camp amidst the most enchanting surroundings. 

It was at this point in the river that was located, during 
the Revolutionary times, the Gibraltar of America. 
Looking up the river on the left-hand side, above Bear 
Mountain landing, will be seen a slight elevation on the 
top of which was located a fort called Fort Clinton. 
This fort was named after the first governor of the State 
of New York who also had immediate command of the 
fort. 

A little to the north of Fort Clinton the shore line falls 
into a deep ravine locally known as Hell Hole. This is a 
gorge reaching back into the hills through which flows a 
tiny mountain stream. On the north side of this gorge 
rises another elevation on the top of which was located 
another fort named Fort Montgomery. Across the river 
also at this point, reaching from Anthony's Nose to Fort 
Montgomery, was constructed a chain for the purpose of 
obstructing the river and thus preventing the boats of the 
British Army from ascending the river. It was these 
two forts and the river obstruction which played a very 
important part in the campaign of the British Government 
to capture the Hudson River through invasion by an army 

61 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 




Map Showing the Fortifications of the Hudson Highlands 
at Bear Mountain During the Revolutionary Period 

This map was drawn from a survey made by Major Holland, Surveyor 

General, and Lieutenant John Knight, A. D. 1777. They were 

surveyors in the service of His Majesty King George 

III of England. The original map is in the 

archives of the Department of War, 

London. 



62 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

under General Burgoyne, starting from Canada and com- 
ing down through the head waters of the Hudson. The 
plan of campaign being for Burgoyne to come down the 
Hudson and meet at Albany the forces of General Sir 
Henry Clinton, which were to ascend the river from New 
York City, and had it not been for these two forts and 
this obstruction, which delayed Clinton until Burgoyne 
had surrendered to the Army of the North, the plans of 
the British Government would have been successful and 
no doubt the cause of the Colonists would have been 
defeated; for if the British armies had secured control of 
the Hudson River they would have been able to divide 
the Colonies in such manner as to make their co-operation 
impossible. 

After passing the site of Fort Montgomery and the 
village of Fort Montgomery, lying just north of the old 
fort, we see on the east shore a range of hills or mountains 
known as the Crescent range. These are dotted with 
homes of New York City's millionaires, and, during the 
Revolutionary days were nearly all fortified. Along this 
range is Sugarloaf, Redoubt Hill, Mount Taurus and 
Breakneck. 

A little beyond Fort Montgomery, and lying on the 
west shore, is the grave of Margaret Corbin, mentioned 
in connection with the Battle of Fort Washington. 
Margaret Corbin was the wife of John Corbin, matross 
in the First Company of Pennsylvania Artillery. This 
regiment was in the engagement at the Battle of Fort 
Washington. In those days nurses were few, and 
Margaret Corbin, having no family ties, did what many 
other noble women did in those days — accompanied her 
husband to war and became a nurse and assistant in 
camp life. During the engagement at Fort Washington 
her husband was killed and she immediately took his 
place at the gun and served it most creditably till shot 
down severely wounded by three grape shots, which nearly 
tore away her arm and part of her breast. During the 
remainder of the war she was taken care of by the Govern- 

63 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

ment and when the war closed she came back to the 
Hudson River, settling down in the Highlands near the 
place of her burial. Here she lived till the time of her 
death. Hers was the first pension granted to a woman 
by our Government for heroic deeds. 

Rack from the river some quarter of a mile, on the west 
shore at this point, will be seen a range of hills, the highest 
peak of which is known as Alarm Hill. This was one of 
the many points on which were stationed minute men, 
who communicated information to the Continental troops 
by the means of bonfires at night and firing of guns by day. 

Passing up the river about three miles farther, we 
reach the United States Government Reservation on 
which is located the famous West Point Military Academy. 
This academy was established by an Act of Congress, 
March 16, 1802. The object of this Act was to provide a 
thorough course of training for officers for the United 
States Army. The first general survey of the locality 
was made by Captain Rernard Romans, an engineer in 
the employment of the Government. West Point's 
grounds, however, were first surveyed and laid out by 
Radier, a Frenchman in the employ of our Government. 
The plans of Radier were so visionary and impractical 
that they were rejected and the Polish warrior and 
patriot, Kosciusko, was employed to remodel Radier's 
plans and make them adapted to the needs of the Govern- 
ment at that time, and it is to Kosciusko that credit is 
given for producing the plans upon which this famous 
and most beautiful reservation is laid out. 

To attempt anything like a description of the points 
of interest to the visitor at this place would require much 
more space than is here available, but in passing, it is 
well to mention a few. 

West Point's library has one of the most interesting 
and valuable collection of books, manuscripts, maps, 
portraits and statues relating to American history and 
the subject of war to be found on the American Continent. 
This library is open to visitors for both inspection and 

64 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

service. In its museum will be found many intensely 
interesting relics of the different wars through which our 
country has passed, as well as a very complete collection 
of arms and ammunition used in all departments of the 
army. The parade grounds occupy the center. A 
most interesting and inspiring sight will greet the visitor 
who is fortunate enough to visit the reservation at the 
hours when these embryo officers appear on these grounds 
and go through with their varied military tactics. Lying 
a little to the north of the parade grounds on a quiet but 
beautifully and tastily laid out plot of ground will be 
found the cemetery. Here lie the graves of many of our 
most illustrious warriors. A full day can be very profit- 
ably and interestingly spent on this reservation. 

Just across from West Point, and a little down the river, 
is the location of the old Beverly Robinson house where 
Benedict Arnold had his headquarters at the time he 
attempted to betray West Point to the British Army. 

Just above West Point, and in the arch of the Crescent, 
is Constitution Island. This was formerly known as 
Martelaier Rock, so named from a French family by the 
name of Martelaier that lived upon this rock about 1720. 
During the Revolutionary days it was the site of a fort 
named Fort Constitution. This island also was the home 
of the Warner sisters, authors of " Wide, Wide World " — 
well-known writers in the generation that has just passed. 
One of the sisters is now buried in the West Point cemetery 
and the other, together with Mrs. Russell Sage, has given 
the island to the Government. 

Passing Constitution Island, will be seen the village of 
Cold Spring, beyond which Mount Taurus rises to a 
point of 1500 feet. 

On the west side of the river and across from Cold 
Spring can be seen Crow's Nest, a point of 1410 feet in 
height, and Storm King, 1529 feet. 

Just beyond Cold Spring to the north rises Breakneck 
Mountain, 1787 feet. 

North of Storm King will be seen the village of Corn- 

65 



The Hudson River— Today and Yesterday 

wall. This village was established in 1764, and is especi- 
ally noted as the home of E. P. Roe, author and minister. 

This place is also the home of many wealthy persons 
and is situated in one of the most beautiful localities along 
the Hudson River. 

Across from Cornwall is Palopels Island. On this 
island is situated what is known as Bannerman's Castle. 
Mr. Bannerman is a dealer in military curios, with his 
place of business located in New York City. In this 
castle will be found samples of armament from practically 
every nation in the world and covering different periods 
of time. See page 84. 

Across the river and a little to the north is the village 
of New Windsor. This village was established in 1749, 
and was for some time the headquarters of Washington. 
It is also the birthplace of De Witt Clinton, first Governor 
of the State of New York. 

Just above New Windsor will be found Newburgh, 
one of the most important and thriving towns found be- 
tween New York and Albany. This town was settled 
by the Germans in 1709. These Germans were a band 
which came from the Rhine country to escape the devas- 
tation which at that time was taking place through 
European wars which had for many years made peaceful 
and progressive civilian life impossible. This band was 
financed largely by the Queen of England. The town 
was organized about 1773. It was also the location of 
the commissary department for a large part of the Conti- 
nental Army all during the Revolutionary War. Here 
also Washington had his headquarters during the greater 
part of the last two years of the war. It was at this 
point that the largest portion of the Continental troops 
were disbanded. Newburgh today is an important manu- 
facturing center and its products are found in all parts 
of the world. 

Across from Newburgh is the village of Fishkill. Here 
is located the celebrated Asylum, Matteawan, an institution 
for insane criminals. It was at Fishkill that the Society 

66 



The Hudson River— Today and Yesterday 

of Cincinnati was founded and George Washington was 
chosen its first president. 

Here is also located the Wharton House, mentioned in 
" The Spy," by J. Fenimore Cooper. 

Here was a burying-ground for the Continental Army 
and army barracks. . 

After passing several small villages up the river, the 
village of Marlborough is interesting in that it is a pre- 
Revolutionary village and was the capital of the State of 
New York for a short time. 

On the east bank of the river, somewhat above Marl- 
borough, is the village of Poughkeepsie, location of Vassar 
College and other celebrated schools. Here also is 
found the first bridge to span the Hudson River. Pough- 
keepsie was the capital of the State of New York for 
some time after Kingston was burned. It was here that 
the Constitution of the United States was ratified by the 
State of New York. It takes its name from an Indian 
word meaning safe harbor. t 

Among the several villages along the river immediately 
north of Poughkeepsie is the village of Esopus. This 
is a very old town and the region about is noted for its 
fine apples. It was this locality which first made a market 
in Europe for the celebrated variety known as Pippin. 
Here also is the home of Alton B. Parker, democratic 
candidate for President in 1904. His farm, Rosemount, 
is one of the show places at this point. The village 
itself received its name from a tribe of Indians, who 
through unfair treatment on the part of the white settlers 
caused more trouble to the early colonists than perhaps 
all other tribes combined. The so-called Esopus Wars 
occupy a large place in the history of the early settlement 
along the Hudson. . 

Lying a short distance above Esopus is the town ot 
Kingston. This town, for various reasons, is perhaps 
the most interesting of all from a standpoint of Revolu- 
tionary history. For it is here that the first capital ot 
the State of New York was established and the State 

67 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

Legislature formally organized September 10, 1777. 
This town is frequently called the " cradle of New York." 
The old " Senate House " is still standing and is used as a 
historical museum. The village and capitol was burned 
October 16, 1777, by the British after they had captured 
Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton, previously described. 
It is here that the British troops learned that Burgoyne 
had surrendered to the Continental Army of the North, 
and after burning Kingston, which was one of the most 
wanton acts of the Revolution, they hastily returned to 
New York. 

The next point of especial historic interest above 
Kingston is Saugerties. This is one of the oldest river 
towns and dates back to the Dutch days of colonization. 
It was settled by the Huguenots and Dutch. It is es- 
pecially interesting as being the home of Captain Andrew 
Brink, Captain of the Clermont, which was the first 
steamboat to ply the waters of the Hudson. The next 
village of especial interest is Catskill. This locality is 
one of the main entrances to the Catskill Mountain 
resorts and dates back to the early Dutch period. It 
received its name in much the same way as Peekskill, 
the original spelling of the word being Katterakts Kill, 
meaning stream of cataracts, and not, as some historians 
have said, from the fact that the region abounded in 
wildcats. 

Across from Catskill is the village of Hudson where is 
located the New York State Reformatory for Women. 
It was at this point that Hudson's ship was supposed to 
have gone aground as told in his report, and about as far 
as he ascended the river. From here up to Albany will 
be found many villages and towns, but few of them are 
of interest from a historic standpoint, as this section of 
the country was at no time effected to any great extent 
by the armies on either side during the Revolutionary 
War. The chief point of interest being Schodac Island 
which is one of many found in the Hudson River between 
Hudson and Albany, it was near this point that the 

68 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

capital of the Mohegan nation was located. Here they 
met each year and formulated laws and treaties with 
other nations which would govern for the ensuing year. 
This legislature or council was composed of representa- 
tives duly chosen from the several tribes. The matter of 
choosing these representatives was most interesting. 
They were chosen in village or town meeting, in which 
women folks had as much to say as the men. In fact, 
in those days women's suffrage was not a point of question, 
but an accepted fact. 

The word Schodac is an Indian word, meaning Place 
of Fire. 

By the time this point is reached with the day boats, 
the sun has settled down near the sky-line on the western 
shore and the shadows begin creeping out from the hill- 
tops down into the verdant valleys. It is a scene such 
as could well have inspired the opening stanzas of Gray's 
" Elegy " or the pastoral picture painted in Longfellow's 
" Arcadia." 

As these scenes of quiet pastoral beauty are passing, 
the towers of the most famous State Capitol in America 
rise into view — the city of Albany. 

To those unacquainted with American history but 
conversant with modern political history, this will arouse 
no memories other than those of political strife in which 
the forces of corruption and greed are arrayed against 
those with patriotic aims and unselfish desire to promote 
the best interests of a large percentage of the most cosmo- 
politan population of the world. 

It is not extravagant to say that as much of the 
political history of our country is made in this city as in 
Washington. It was here that the first convention 
was called in which the colonies considered the advisa- 
bility of joining hands for a common defense. In fact, 
from time immemorial, it has been the city of " Council 
Fires of Nations." As before mentioned, it was near 
here that the Mohegan nation had its great council fire 
and met each year, and sometimes more often, to formu- 

69 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

late laws and treaties. Not far from here and a little 
to the northeast, while not their regular place of meeting, 
the great five nations frequently met in general counsel 
with other nations. The reason for this will be found in 
the geographic location. Situated near the head waters 
of the Hudson, and near the confluence of other important 
waterways, which reach far into the interior, it at once 
became a most convenient place to reach through the 
medium of the birch-bark canoe — that express coach of 
the American Indian. However, to every patriotic 
American who has from childhood read and became 
imbued with the fascinating story of his country's past, 
what a flood of interesting memories will come rushing 
in upon him. 

These stately towers and domes, these streets of busy 
metropolitan life will dissolve, and on the screen will 
appear the scouts from the great army of civilization. 
These will be followed in quick succession by the actors 
of the great drama of colonization and builders of the 
Ship of State. 

The first of these to appear will be a band of French 
traders who erected here a fort on an island adjacent to 
the city. These came down from the French possessions 
in Canada in 1540. This fort was abandoned and rebuilt 
in 1615 by a colony of Dutchmen who, through the 
discovery of Hudson, as before narrated, had been sent 
out by the Dutch West Indian Company. This fort was 
destroyed by flood in the Spring of 1618, and was perma- 
nently abandoned. In May, 1624, another colony, 
consisting of thirty families of " Walloons," French 
Protestants who had fled from their native land to Hol- 
land to escape fanatical religious persecution, built 
another fort on the present site of the city of Albany, 
which they named Fort Orange in honor of William of 
Orange. 

On November 19, 1629, a wealthy Dutchman named 
Kilien Van Rensselaer, obtained concession of the Dutch 
West Indian Company to establish a colony here, and on 

70 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

July 27, 1630, bought from the Indians the land where 
the city of Albany now stands. 

On September 24, 1664, the territory having passed 
into the possession of the English, the name of this fort 
was changed to Fort Albany, in honor of James, Duke of 
York and Albany. Its first mayor, Col. Pieter Schuyler, 
was appointed by Gov. Nicolls. On July 22, 1686, the 
city of Albany received its charter, being the first charter 
ever granted to a city on the American Continent. 

From this time on the scenes on the stage rapidly 
change. On August 12, 1807, at 5 p.m., the Clermont, 
the first successful steamship on the American Continent, 
here completed the first half of its first voyage and the 
day of sailing vessels began to decline. 

On November 2, 1825, was here celebrated the opening 
of the great Erie Canal, which has played such an im- 
portant part ever since in American commerce. Here 
also, in 1831, was completed the first railroad in New York 
State, it running from Albany to Schenectady. 

These are only a few of the interesting scenes which 
pass before the mind of the traveler of today, as this 
most enjoyable voyage ends. 

The traveler will be well repaid if he spends a day in 
this interesting and historic American city. For in its 
libraries, historical societies, churches and capitol building, 
to say nothing of its parks and surrounding places of 
interest, will be found treasures of greatest interest in 
American history. 

The famed Rhine with its castles and vineyards, 
With its history and moss-covered towers, 

Shines no more 'mong the world's treasured beauties 
Than this Hudson — the Rhine which is ours. 



71 



Short Stories 

from 

The Business World 

Outside of the Bible there is no 
book as valuable or interesting as 
the check book. 



There are no stories as interest- 
g and fascinati 
human endeavor. 



ing and fascinating as those of 



The "Fulton Folly" 

If you will come with me I will promise to draw back 
the curtain of the past and take you on a most interesting 
adventure. 

If you belong to the male gender, you will need to dress 
up in knee breeches, low shoes with huge, shiny buckles, 
swallowtail coat, long velvet waistcoat, shirt with deep 
ruffles, wig and cocked hat, or else you will run foul of 
the small boy looking for adventure, or become, with your 
modern dress, so conspicuous that you will spoil our 
otherwise interesting trip. 

I am going to take you over to a slip on the East River, 
pretty well down toward the bay. I am going to show 
you what everyone is talking and laughing about— 
The "Fulton Folly." What is that? Well, it is a 
blooming old tub that a fellow called Fulton has rigged 
up with a tall chimney and the good Lord only knows what 
else, and which he claims he is going to run up and down 
the Hudson River, propelled by water and fire at the rate 
of four miles per hour ! In fact he thinks he is going to 
beat this time somewhat ! Yes, and that isn't the best 
part of the joke. He has asked the Legislature at Albany 
to grant him an exclusive franchise to run such contrap- 
tions on the Hudson ! Just as though there would be 
other fools who will be anxious to make such asses of 
themselves as he is making of himself ! Up at Albany 
they are using his bill as a sort of football for amusement. 
When things get a little monotonous they trot out the 
" Fulton Folly " bill and have a general good time. Oh, 
yes, it will pass— just for the fun of the thing. It is too 
good a joke to kill. 

As we approach the dock we see a number of workmen 
engaged on this " contraption," and who give us sly, 
sheepish glances as though they were not proud of their 
job. Rut it is the boss on the job who interests us the 
most. He is a young man, a little past thirty years, 

75 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

tall, slim and with an earnest, honest, friendly face which 
is flushed with enthusiasm. His earnestness and pleasant 
manners at once win our interest and sympathy. 

After considerable questioning we learn that he is an 
artist, draughtsman and mechanical engineer, but, above 
all, a dreamer. Ridicule and criticism have made him 
careful of taking strangers into his confidence, but in a 
short time his enthusiasm gets the upper hand and he 
tells us all about his strange craft, and modestly explains 
what he hopes to do. He does not claim to be the origi- 
nator of the idea, for many others have been spending 
money and working for years on steam-driven boats. 
But through his knowledge of mechanics and mechanical 
construction he believes he will succeed where others, 
through lack of such training, have failed. Another 
thing which makes him confident of success is that he has 
not long before, in Europe, made and successfully demon- 
strated a " diving boat," by which he was able to blow 
up an English vessel and otherwise prove the advantage 
and efficiency of such craft in time of war. 

He invites us on board and explains the workings of 
this — to him — most wonderful mechanical creation. Down 
in the hold he has rigged up a furnace which burns wood 
by the cord and incidentally heats water in an enclosed 
kettle-like affair. From this run iron pipes, leading to 
a steam chest made of wood and held together by iron 
bands. Yes, this leaks steam considerably, but by 
covering it with blankets, etc., this leakage is not serious. 
From this chest runs another pipe, which connects with 
the engine. The engine is in turn connected to cranks 
which drive two huge mill wheels, or, as he calls them, 
" paddle wheels." The lower parts of these wheels are 
submerged in the water, one on each side of the boat, 
and he thinks that when they turn round they will act 
like a duck's foot or boat paddle, and thus push the boat 
ahead. As we look incredulous he hastens to assure us 
that they have already made several trial trips and, aside 
from a few minor mechanical imperfections, " she works 



The Hudson River— Today and Yesterday 

fine." The chief difficulty is in the cranks getting stuck 
on dead center. But this he is sure he can overcome in a 
short time. 

Would we like to go with him on his maiden trip to 
Albany ? The question is asked in such a tone of wishful 
meaning and the invitation comes from one so winning 
in manners that we just can't refuse, although our hearts 
sink within us as we accept, in a manner which we hope 
does not betray our fears. 

The eventful day at last arrives and the boat, which 
has been named the Clermont, in honor of the home of 
his patron, Livingston, is brought around into the North 
River without a hitch, its thirty-foot chimney belching 
smoke and fire, which causes no little stir and consterna- 
tion among the numerous water craft in the bay. 

" See the fiery dragon ! " " Look at the volcano in a 
tub ! " " This foolishness should be stopped before he 
gets a lot of people hurt ! " " Another Spuyten Duyvil ! " 
" Ml aboard for the bottom of the sea ! " These and 
many more similar sentiments find noisy or indignant 
expression as the craft draws alongside the wharf. 

After many tears, jokes and admonitions, we start on 
our journey. Soon one paddle-wheel gets caught in a 
shad net and the angry and excited owner declares he 
will have the law on us. This is at last extracted and our 
journey is resumed. . 

Space does not permit the chronicling ol all the incidents 
of this remarkable and exciting voyage, but as the hours 
wear away our fears take flight and we enjoy to the fullest 
extent the consternation of captains, crews and passengers 
on board the river craft as we pass them by. Some jump 
overboard and swim to shore, while others disappear from 
their decks and hide below till this monster, belching fire 
and smoke and defying wind and tide, has passed by. 
Crowds collect along the shore and wave greetings or stand 
in dumb amazement. One farmer, more courageous than 
the others, hastily comes alongside in his skiff and asks 
how it is possible to run a grist mill up stream ! 

77 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

As the day ends we tie up for the night and resume our 
voyage early the next morning. We reach Albany about 
five in the evening, having made the entire trip in about 
thirty hours or a little better than four miles per hour. 

Yes, it has been done, just as the dreamer said it would, 
and the " Fulton Folly " is no longer a joke. 

As we swiftly descend the years since then and view the 
descendants of this ungainly craft, which are today still 
a wonder of designing and workmen's skill, in short, 
floating palaces satisfying every want in the way of 
luxurious comfort and pleasure, we thank our lucky star 
for the gift of the dreamer and pray that his tribe may 
increase. 



Famous Descendants of the Clermont 

The thrill of excitement and joy of achievement 
experienced by the passengers on that first and historic 
trip of the Clermont can never again be the lot of those 
who sail the waters of the Hudson. 

However, pleasures undreamed of and comforts and 
luxuries which even kings of that day could not buy, 
are the common and daily lot of those who today take 
this same delightful day voyage. 

The family of which the Clermont was the original 
ancestor is a large one, but in it the fleet of the Hudson 
River Day Line stands out in a prominence surpassing 
anything the architects and builders of the Old World 
can offer. 

Under such conditions the traveler of today need take 
no thought of his personal comfort, for all these are 
furnished in abundance. He is thus left free to enjoy 
to the fullest extent the panorama of nature which each 
mile on this American Rhine unfolds to him. 

In the literature furnished free by the Hudson River 
Day Line, which is unsurpassed in skill of the printer's art, 
will be found a most interesting fund of information 
relating not only to the rates, schedules, etc., of the 
different boats, but to views and descriptive matter of 
points of scenic and historic interest. Prominent among 
this literature is the Hudson River Day Line Magazine, 
which is published in four issues from May to October 
of each year. 

It is in this literature that one is introduced to the 
Mary Powell, "Queen of the Hudson"; the Hendriek 
Hudson, the Robert Fulton, the Albany and the Washing- 
ton Irving — that marvel of beauty and luxury and last 
word in steamboat design and construction. 

As the daylight passenger of today sits in his easy chair 
on the cool, spacious deck of one of these floating palaces, 
listening to the soft, harmonious strains of the orchestra, 
he looks out over the beautiful panorama of blue, dreamy, 
haze r covered mountains, valleys and woodlands, and loses 
himself in pleasant reverie. He wonders whether the 

79 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

spirits of Hudson and his crew, of Fulton and his^first 
passengers, of Washington and his faithful followers come 
from the spirit world to view these marvels of today. 
And when he, too, shall have passed, will he be permitted 
to view the possibilities another century may bring forth. 
Thus he yields to the spell of the enchanter and gives 
himself up to Summer dreams. 



A Mid-Summer Night's Dream 

It was at the close of a lovely Summer day, many years 
ago, that a young man climbed to the top of a rocky cliff 
overlooking the Hudson River, and sat down to pleasant 
day dreams. 

The sun was sinking to rest behind the picturesque 
walls of the Palisades, and the deepening shadows were 
creeping slowly out on the placid waters at their feet. 

Scattered here and there were numerous becalmed water 
craft impatiently waiting the breath of an evening breeze 
to waft them on their way. 

From out the rising veil of mist there appeared to the 
dreamer a strange craft which, without sails and unmind- 
ful of calm or tide, went sweeping majestically up this 
poetic stream of romance and history. It was a palace 
of wonderful design and a treasure house of the workman's 
supremest skill. It swiftly passed on into the deepening 
twilight and was soon lost in the enchanted region beyond. 

This dreamer was Fulton, and the magic craft was the 
celebrated Berkshire of the Hudson Navigation Company. 
Fear of ridicule would not permit Fulton to tell his 
dream to those of his day, but as it is now an established 
fact, a dream came true, we cannot only read of this 
magic palace with its stately drawing rooms, baths, 
telephones, dining halls, promenade decks, cosy corners, 
and a thousand other features of magnificence and splendor, 
but it is ours to enjoy. 

80 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

The literature of the Hudson Navigation Company, 
which may be had for the asking, will tell all about this 
wonderful floating palace, its schedule, rates, etc., as well 
as of its five other boats of almost equal interest. 

" Moonlight on the Hudson " has been the theme of 
artists and poets for many years, but it is only through an 
evening's sail from New York City to Albany, such as is 
afforded by the boats of this line, that one fully appre- 
ciates and enjoys it. No brush can paint or words depict 
the restful calm, the enchanting moonlit scenes or the 
dramatic, beautiful and fascinating effects of the rays 
from the giant searchlight as it illuminates, with the 
brightness of the noonday sun, the points of historic 
interest and scenic beauty. 

Yes, it is a midsummer night's dream, but one which 
each year is realized by hundreds of thousands who avail 
themselves of this opportunity of grasping one of life's 
rarest pleasures. 



At Eventide 

Everyone who has traveled knows that when the busy, 
tiresome day of sight-seeing is ended, there is nothing 
so welcome as some place which will, in a measure, fill the 
longing for home. 

The beauties of nature, the grandeur of palaces, the 
wonders of museums, the rush and bustle of city streets, 
all create a desire for quiet rest, a good dinner and a 
comfortable room with efficient, interested service. In 
short, a place where one is not numbered and tagged as 
so much baggage, but where individuality is retained and 
catered to. 

Hotel Glaridge, at Broadway and 44th Street, New York 
City, is all that can be desired to fill this need. In the 
first place, it is located in the center of the shopping and 
amusement district, thus making it easily accessible at 

81 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

all hours. And while it has this advantage, its interior 
is so arranged as to afford exclusiveness and comfort. 

Its Lounge has an individuality found in but few, if 
any, hotels in the world. For while lavish in its decora- 
tions, it is at the same time artistic and restful. Its 
dining-room, while a dream of splendor, is the acme of 
art and taste. Its cuisine is under the direction of world 
masters. Its fowl and cream supply comes from its own 
farm, thus insuring not only the choicest but most pure. 
Glaridge oysters are sealed on the oyster beds and de- 
livered direct. In fact, all of its food supply is chosen 
with the greatest care and from the most select the mar- 
kets of the world afford. 

Its service throughout is trained with the one thought 
in mind — comfort and enjoyment for its guests. 

Its rates are three, four and six dollars, including room 
with bath. Special rates for extended periods. 

In short, it is one of those rare places where the traveler 
at eventide can withdraw from the busy world and find 
rest mingled with delight and unalloyed enjoyment. 



In the Land of Romance and History 

Nature has supplied the scenery, Irving and Cooper 
the romance, Washington and his armies the history and 
the Central Hudson Steamboat Company the facilities 
for enjoyment of what is generally considered the most 
interesting of America's many attractions — the central 
Hudson valley. 

Here, during some of the darkest days of the Revolution 
Washington not only had his headquarters, but gathered 
and distributed much of his commissary supplies. 

The Highlands below, with their fortified heights, 
formed a barrier against the foe from down the river, 
and the river, with its transportation facilities, supplied 
an important means for conducting military operations. 

82 



The Hudson River — Today and Yesterday 

Here the Gatskills to the north, the Berkshires to the 
east and the Highlands to the south and west form a 
panoramic display of scenery which, for poetic beauty, 
none can excel and but few equal. 

Every hilltop, every valley, mountain range, lake and 
stream has its fascinating story, all of which, combined 
form a most interesting chapter in American history. 

Other localities may have been more deeply dyed with 
patriotic blood, but it is safe to say that on few, if any, 
was the great game of war more skilfully and thoughtfully 
played. 

On page 35 will be found a view of its most important 
city, the city of Newburgh. The early history of this 
city will be found on page 66, but space there has not 
permitted mention of one of its most interesting enter- 
prises from standpoint of the traveler. 

Nestling along the shore in Newburgh harbor are the 
berths of the Central Hudson Steamboat Company's 
fleet. It is a fleet of which any harbor may well feel 
proud. Their spacious decks, tasty, commodious cabins, 
dining and sleeping rooms all cater to the comfort and 
enjoyment of their passengers. 

Each year, with the coming of Spring, this fleet goes 
forth on its mission of transporting an army of travelers 
and sight-seers which each season come from all parts of 
the globe to visit this land of scenic beauty, romance and 
history. 

The literature of this line, which may be had by ad- 
dressing the company at Newburgh or their New York 
City office at Franklin Street pier, gives a most interesting 
review of the points along the Hudson as well as schedules 
and rates of different boats of the line. 

No matter whether the traveler wishes to take only a 
few hours' sail, travel from New York City to Albany or 
visit any of the many points of interest along the river, 
no line is better prepared to accommodate than the 
Central Hudson Steamboat Company of New York City 
and Newburgh. 

83 



A Highland Fortress 

As the fascination of the Hudson highlands has securely 
ensnared the traveler, and he has become convinced that 
Nature has exerted her utmost to please, she suddenly 
places before him one of her unexpected and rarest charms. 

For when the rugged heights of Break Neck, Growsnest 
and Stormking are scarcely passed, one enters an inland 
sea of charming beauty, one of its chief attractions being 
a rocky forest-clad island known as Polopels Island. 

If this island presented nothing more than the charms 
which Nature has thrown about it, it would yet easily 
rank among the foremost of the world's poetic scenes. 
But crowning its rocky height is a turreted castle which 
will take little or no imagination to believe has been trans- 
planted from the owner's native highlands of Scotland. 

It is little wonder, therefore, that the traveler at once 
becomes consumed with curiosity, and, strange to say, 
when his curiosity has been satisfied his interest has been 
increased. For this castle is one of several arsenals 
belonging to the world's largest collector of military 
goods — Francis Bannerman. 

Mr. Bannerman's operations extend around the globe. 
In his large wholesale and retail store at 501 Broadway, 
New York City, is a stock of goods which represents 
nearly all the periods of history and nations on the globe 
in the way of military equipment. This includes any- 
thing from heavy artillery to a derringer or from an 
army mess tent to a soldier's cap. Aside from being 
recognized as one of the world's most expert collectors 
and judges of military equipment, he is a very large opera- 
tor in modern military goods. 

He publishes a 428-page encyclopedia catalogue which 
is claimed by experts to be the best book published on 
old arms. This he mails east of the Mississippi river for 
25 cents and west for 30 cents. He also issues a very 
interesting 12-page circular free. 

If one is interested in things military he should by all 
means visit Mr. Bannerman's store at 501 Broadway, 
New York City. 

84 



The Greatest Park in the World 

This book is one of a series relating to the history and 
points of interest in America. 

It is a most interesting description and history of the 
Great Palisades Interstate Park, which is owned by the 
States of New York and New Jersey. 

While not so large in territorial extent as some other 
famous American parks, owing to its accessibility to the 
largest city in the world, New York City, it at once be- 
comes the most useful and consequently the greatest park 
in the world. 

This book contains many interesting references to the 
early history of the lower Hudson River valley, a detailed 
description of the battles of Forts Montgomery and Clin- 
ton and of the early Indian occupation of the territory 
covered by the park. 

Camping and camp life is another valuable and practical 
chapter which serves a most useful purpose to those inter- 
ested in out-of-door life. 

The subject of forestry is discussed in another chapter 
and strikingly illustrated in the views from the Western 
prairies showing the effect of forestry in the West. 

It is a book which will be read with pleasure and profit 
by all ages and classes and should be in every home. 

Some comments of the press and men of note : 

"Performs a real service to the people of New York." 

— Gov. James F. Fielder, N. J. 
"Its reading affords me the greatest pleasure." 

— Ex-Gov. Martin H. Glynn, N . Y. 
"A most interesting compilation of historical side of the park." 

— George W. Perkins 
"Serves a high purpose to the people of New York." 

— New York Press 

"Most interesting and instructive." — New York Sun 

"An exceedingly pleasant little book that will bring happiness 

to thousands." — N. Y. Evening Mail. 

This book is handsomely bound in cloth, profusely il- 
lustrated and mailed postpaid to any address in America 
for dO cts. HISTORIAN PURLISHING CO. 

New York City. 

80 



